Arranging To Meet A Pet Sitter

If the thought of meeting up with someone through Pet Sitter Swap leaves you feeling a little uneasy (we've all read stories of internet rendezvous that fall short of what - or who - was expected) then this article is for you.

The first golden rule is to take a friend or colleague to your first meeting and meet in a mutually agreed public place, eg a cafe, and if everything is OK two further meetings for the benefit of the pets - one at each other's home, if appropriate.

These initial meetings can provide an opportunity for you to judge a prospective sitter and determine their character and suitability for looking after your pet.

Before a first meeting takes place both members should agree to take with them, and exchange, some form of original photo-id (eg a passport) to confirm they are who they say they are.

You should not be afraid to ask questions to discover as much as reasonably possible about the potential pet sitter's background.

Difficult Questions With A Smile

One good negotiating tactic for any difficult or awkward questions that you might have is to ask them wearing a sincere smile.

Some people find that writing down key points in advance means they don't forget the most crucial ones when they meet. You might consider asking these and other questions:

• Have you ever looked after someone else's pet?
• Have references been supplied through Pet Sitter Swap?
• How would you fit minding my pet into your present daily routine?
• Have you ever physically hit a pet, and, if so, under what circumstances?

Take note of facial expressions or body language to help assess attitude and character.

You should consider the suitability of the prospective Pet Sitter's home in terms of:

• Enclosure - Is it sufficiently secure to ensure your pet will remain safe?
• Feel - Does it have the feeling of a pleasant environment for your pet?
• Other pets - are they likely to make your pet's stay an enjoyable one?
• Space - is there enough of it?

You should never feel rushed or pressured into making a decision.

If any question is not answered to your complete satisfaction then you should make your excuses and walk away. It is never rude to politely say, 'I need more time to think about it...and will get back to you'.